Lighting rebates are not new. The incentives have been around since the 80s. However, some consumers still have misconceptions. We’ll take a look at some of the common misplaced beliefs to determine if they are true or false.

1. Getting Lighting Rebates is Easy

Most lighting rebate programs try to make the process simple, but in reality, the majority have a long and complicated process. Along with long forms to fill out, you also have to deal with poorly functioning online sites, and call centers that can leave you on hold for hours. The process is even more cumbersome for commercial lighting rebates, especially if you are managing several projects simultaneously.

Some programs require the lighting distributor to deduct the rebate amount from the purchasing cost. It simplifies the rebate process for consumers, but the distributor still has to follow the necessary and often complicated steps.

2. LED Rebates are Being Discontinued

With LEDs gaining in popularity, and more options hitting the market every year, many consumers believe product rebates are being discontinued. Fortunately, this isn’t true. LED rebates remain consistent.

Some rebate programs are discontinued, but new ones are constantly being introduced. Other lighting rebate programs are being reintroduced like APS in Arizona and TVA in Tennessee. It is estimated that across the United States, 77% of the country is still offering LED rebates.

If you are considering a commercial LED retrofit project and are interested in your available lighting incentives, try reading our blog, Commercial LED Lighting Rebates Explained. We take a deep-dive into the different types of lighting incentives you can expect to see for your project. Please Note: Not all areas have the same rebates, contact us today for national rollouts.  

3. Rebates aren’t Worth the Time

Rebate amounts for commercial lighting are decreasing, but it is still worth the time and effort to apply for the incentives. Even if the LED lighting project is estimated to cost around $250,000, and the rebate is only $25,000, it is still ‘free’ money you do not want to pass up. Combining various LED rebates can significantly reduce the overall project cost.

4. Lighting Rebates Apply to All Types of LEDs

It often surprises consumers that not all LED products qualify for rebates. Most lighting incentive programs have specifications products must meet to qualify for a rebate. Most of these programs require lighting products to be included on one of the following lists.

• Design Lights Consortium (DLC): The non-profit organization specializes in commercial-grade lighting. Think of linear tubes, high bays, pole lights, and similar lighting fixtures. DLC provides lists of products that meet their strict requirements. The non-profit also create lists for horticulture lighting supplies, along with networked lighting controls. An estimated 60 to 75% of lighting rebates require the product to be DLC listed.
• Energy Star: Developed and managed by the EPA and US Department of Energy, the Energy Star program provides lists of certified lighting for commercial and residential applications. Some common products included on the lists are incandescent replacement lamps (A19), downlights, and accent lighting. Around 70% of lighting rebate programs require the products to be Energy Star compliant to qualify for financial incentives.

Before purchasing lighting products, it is crucial to ensure it is DLC or Energy Star listed. The majority of rebate programs check the lists and do not rely on product packaging. In other words, the packaging may have the Energy Star logo, but the product may no longer be on the list.

5. Everyone is Familiar with the Rebate Process

It’s easy to let the contractor handle the lighting rebate process, but you still want to follow up. You want to ensure you are applying for all of the applicable rebates and incentives. An inexperienced contractor may only concentrate on the larger incentives and ignore the smaller rebates. Deadlines can also be missed or forms incorrectly filled out.

You can choose to file the lighting rebates by yourself, but it’s vital to stay current with any program changes. You may also want to take advantage of trade ally designation. It is offered by some rebate programs and alerts you when changes are being made.

Software programs are another way you can find and apply for lighting rebates. These programs can save you time and money searching for applicable rebates, allowing you to concentrate on other tasks.

There are also additional incentive programs that you may not know about. For instance, there are lighting control incentives that can be stacked with your LED incentives. We suggest reading, Are There Rebates for Networked Lighting Controls? 

Don’t Miss Out on Any LED Lighting Rebates

LED rebates are not going away and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings. Whether you are in the project planning stages or feeling overwhelmed by the rebate process, contact us to see how we can help. We will ensure you do not miss out on any LED rebates and take care of the paperwork so you can concentrate on your job.

To speak with one of our LED rebate and incentive specialists, call 480-653-8180, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.